Round Nap Island

Island in Hampshire Havant

England

Round Nap Island

Milestone, Langstone, Havant District Adjacent to the boundary of Langstone on the approach road to Langstone Bridge. On the SW grass verge.

Inscription: 1 mile☛ / Havant / ☚5 miles / Hayling / Beach /
Langstone Village Association / 1998

Milestone Society National ID: HA_LNG01 — Milestone, Langstone, Havant District Credit: Zak La Gumina

Round Nap Island is a small, uninhabited island located off the coast of Hampshire, England. Situated in the Solent, between the mainland and the Isle of Wight, it is part of the New Forest National Park. The island spans an area of approximately 0.5 hectares and is characterized by its round shape, from which it derives its name.

The island is known for its rich biodiversity and is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It is home to a variety of bird species, including nesting seabirds such as the black-headed gull and the great black-backed gull. The surrounding waters are also teeming with marine life, making it a popular spot for divers and snorkelers.

Access to Round Nap Island is restricted due to its protected status, and landing is only permitted for research and conservation purposes. As a result, the island remains largely untouched by human activity. Its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere attract nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers who enjoy observing the island's wildlife from nearby vantage points on the mainland or from boats.

While Round Nap Island lacks any permanent structures or amenities, it holds historical significance. During World War II, the island was used as a lookout point for monitoring enemy activity in the Solent. The remnants of a concrete bunker can still be seen on the island, serving as a reminder of its wartime role.

In summary, Round Nap Island is a small, protected island off the coast of Hampshire renowned for its circular shape, diverse birdlife, and historical significance. It offers a haven for wildlife and serves as a picturesque spot for nature enthusiasts to enjoy the natural beauty of the Solent.

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Round Nap Island Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.826529/-1.0034449 or Grid Reference SU7003. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Milestone, Langstone, Havant District

Adjacent to the boundary of Langstone on the approach road to Langstone Bridge. On the SW grass verge. Inscription: 1 mile☛ / Havant / ☚5 miles / Hayling / Beach / Langstone Village Association / 1998 Milestone Society National ID: HA_LNG01

Zak La Gumina

Hayling Billy line

The remains of the Hayling Billy Railway line crossing from Havant to Hayling island. The final train ran on Saturday 2 November 1963

Jackie OHalloran

Mud flats at Bridge Lake

The remains of the Langston Harbour rail bridge are visible across the centre of the view. The poor state of the bridge led to the closure of the Hayling branch line in 1963 (but I'm sure, if not for the bridge, another reason to close the line would have been found!). Although much of the bridge infrastructure remains, it cannot be used to cross to the island. There have been recent calls to rebuild it, at a minimum as a walkway, but that seems unlikely in the near future, given the financial constraints which currently prevail. The road bridge to the island is visible on the left.

John Lucas

Path across marshland, Southmoor Nature Reserve

David Martin

Bridge and former West Mill, Langstone

David Martin

Channel in marshland, Southmoor Nature Reserve

This area is now inundated by high tides, following SU7104 : Breach in sea wall, Southmoor Nature Reserve. Compare SU7104 : South Moor Langstone which shows the same fence in the foreground.

David Martin

Breach in sea wall, Southmoor Nature Reserve

The breach occurred in 2020 and the marshland habitat has changed dramatically, with some areas now under water at each high tide: see SU7104 : Channel in marshland, Southmoor Nature Reserve. The coastal footpath is officially closed.

David Martin

On the shore at Southmoor Nature Reserve

The projecting sea wall is at the end of Southmoor Lane.

David Martin

On the shore at Budd's Wall

David Martin

Path on Budd's Wall

Looking back towards Southmoor Lane.

David Martin

Dropped defences

Second World War coastal defences collapsed onto the beach beside the Hayling Billy route.

David Martin

Hayling Billy Line

Hayling Billy Line (old railway between Hayling and Havant) path heading to the Bridge car park

Shaun Ferguson

Hayling Billy Line

The Hayling Billy Line path heading to the Victoria Road car park

Shaun Ferguson

The Deeps, Farlington Marsh

This lake is called The Deeps, it's formed by a combination of overwash from the sea and retention of rainfall draining from the marsh. Following a recent extended hot and dry spell it's drying up and currently looks more like something from an African documentary than an English coastal lake.

Martyn Pattison

Langstone road bridge across the harbour

This is the only access by road to Hayling Island

John Firth

2016: a year on Geograph (Day 125)

Looking from Hayling Island's most north-westerly car-park towards Langstone Bridge

Basher Eyre

WWII Hampshire - Naval bombing decoy control bunker - Hayling Island (1)

- Naval Bombing Decoy (N Series): DoB ID: e18972 This was the Hayling Island Naval 'QF' (special fires) bombing decoy control building, now partially demolished and backfilled, and in danger of disappearing forever due to coastal erosion. SU7102 : WWII Hampshire - Naval bombing decoy control bunker - Hayling Island (2)

Mike Searle